Hydrangea paniculata 'Vanilla Strawberry’

Hydrangea paniculata 'Vanilla Strawberry': Creamy Blooms, Berry-Pink Finale

Hydrangea paniculata 'Vanilla Strawberry' is a First Editions® panicle hydrangea known for its mouth-watering colour change and big summer presence. Large panicles open creamy-white, mature to pink, then deepen to a pinkish-red as the season progresses. In late summer, it often carries multiple tones at once as fresh blooms appear alongside more mature flower heads, giving the plant a lively, layered look from mid-summer into early fall.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 6–7’
• Spread: 4–5’
• Flower Colour: Creamy-white, maturing to pink, then pinkish-red
• Flowering Period: Mid-summer to early fall
• Foliage: Green, deciduous shrub foliage
• Sunlight Requirements: Full Sun to Part Shade
• Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained soil

Uses and Benefits: A strong choice for mixed shrub borders, larger foundation plantings, and feature groupings where you want height, structure, and a long-running colour show. The multi-toned late-season display adds richness to the garden just as many summer perennials begin to fade. Flower heads are also excellent for cutting, both fresh and dried, so you can bring that creamy-to-berry palette indoors.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun to part shade and water regularly during the first season to establish strong roots. Once established, water deeply during prolonged heat or drought for the best bloom size and colour development. Prune in late winter or early spring to shape and encourage vigorous new growth, since panicle hydrangeas bloom on new wood. Mulch helps conserve moisture and keeps the root zone cooler through summer.

History: Hydrangea paniculata 'Vanilla Strawberry' (cultivar 'Renhy') is valued for its dependable mid-to-late season flowering and its signature colour progression from creamy-white through pink to deeper berry tones, a combination that has made it a standout in the First Editions® lineup.

Final Thoughts: For gardeners who want a hydrangea with real presence and a sweet, shifting colour story, Vanilla Strawberry delivers a classic summer-to-fall finish that always feels generous and memorable.